Whakatane is host to many natural and man made attractions that has made our town an activity destination in its own right.
Walking
The Whakatane District is renown for it’s superb walking and tramping tracks. These include coastal tracks with stunning ocean vistas and walkways through ancient native forests. Te Urewera National Park and Whirinaki Forest Park are a short drive from Whakatane and include a wide range of bush walks and tramps suitable for all levels of fitness. To the south of Whakatane is the Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk which takes 3 – 4 days and is one of New Zealand’s premier walking tracks through some of the best scenery in the country. Nearby is the Nga tapuwai o toi walkway which also takes in the beautiful Ohope Scenic reserve.
For a map of the Whakatane walking tracks click here.
For a map of the Whakatane Heritage trail click here.
For a map of Whakatane parks click here.
Featured Walking Listings
PACIFIC COAST ADVENTURES & FISHING CHARTERS
Pacific Coast Adventures offers half or full day fishing charters at the Opotiki Mussel Farm
RECREATIONAL FACILITIES
We offer a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces to accommodate most sports and gatherings.
WHAKATĀNE WALKING TRAILS | BUSH WALKS
Explore Whakatāne's stunning walking trails and bush walks, perfect for all levels of hikers. Discover coastal views and native forests.
Walking Listings
KIWI WANDERING TRAIL
The Kiwi Wandering Trail in Whakatane (the Kiwi Capital of the World!) is a self-guided hunt for bronze replicas of this iconic NZ bird. Find ten life-like, life‑size bronze kiwi statues which wander right through the heart of Whakatāne.
This is fun for all the family and takes you through the CBD as well as the scenic beauty of our Riverwalks and the Whakatane Heads.
Do you have what it takes to find all 10 North Island brown kiwi? Manaia, Two Toes, Ahi, Miro, Big Al, Ōhope, Waewae, Kaputerangi, Pea, and Te Hau.
NGĀ TAPUWAE O TOI WALKWAY | TOI’S TRACK
Ngā Tapuwae O Toi Walkway or Toi's Track. Is Whakatane's most scenic walking track. Translated as ‘the footprints of Toi' the 16 kilometres of walkways on the outskirts of Whakatane are accessible to most people, regardless of fitness, because they can be walked in sections or as one round trip. Nga Tapuwae o Toi visits three major scenic reserves and a historic reserve. In Ngati Awa oral tradition Toi was a great chief, descendant of the legendary voyager Tiwakawaka and founder of a great tribe. The walkway visits Toi stronghold Kapu-te-rangi overlooking Whakatane.
OHOPE SCENIC RESERVE
The Ohope Scenic Reserve includes one of the country's largest remaining coastal pohutukawa forests and has outstanding scenic and conservation values. During the summer flowering season, the reserve is ablaze with brilliant crimson flowers and the walk is a very special experience. Further inland the bush changes from typical coastal forest of pohutukawa, kohe,kohe, karaka, titoki, ngaio and akeake to other native trees such as rewarewa, tawa and kanuka.
TARAWERA FALLS
The Tarawera Falls are a sight to be seen, water from Lake Tarawera plunges 65 feet into the river below that continues to flow through Kawerau and the Eastern Bay of Plenty to it's ocean destination.
Visitors wanting to see the Falls will need to arrange a permit as access is via private forestry roads. Permits can be obtained from the Kawerau Information Centre.
Tauwhare Pa
Tauwhare Pa, located next to Ohiwa Harbour at Ohope Beach, Whakatane, is a must see Maori culture and history attraction. It is a preserved pre-European Maori occupation site, one of the oldest pa sites in the area.
It was built by Te Hapuoneone, an ancient tribe from which many of today's iwi descend.
The name Tauwhare implies 'the village suspended in space'. When viewed from the bottom of the southern end of the pā, the village gives this impression.
WARREN COLE CYCLEWAY & WALKWAY
The Whakatane River Walk along the Warren Cole Walkway/Cycleway is a gentle cycling cruise alongside the Whakatane River. Suitable for all ages, whether cycling or walking. One end is at the Whakatane River Bridge (end of Landing Road, almost under the bridge) and coming to an end at the Whakatane Heads at the end of Muriwai Drive (or vice versa).
Walking Map
Coastal Walks
Enjoy breathtaking ocean views on trails like the Ōhope Beach to Whakatāne Walk. These routes offer a mix of sandy paths, cliffside views, and opportunities to spot marine wildlife.
Heritage and Cultural Trails
Explore Whakatāne’s history on walking routes that pass through significant Māori landmarks, historic sites, and informative displays. These walks provide a deeper connection to the region’s past and culture.
Bush and Waterfall Trails
Immerse yourself in the tranquillity of native bush with tracks leading to hidden waterfalls and lush greenery. Trails like the Mokorua Bush Scenic Reserve are perfect for nature lovers.
Family-Friendly Options
Many walking tracks in Whakatāne are well-maintained and suitable for families, offering shorter loops, picnic areas, and gentle gradients for younger adventurers.
Guided Walking Tours
Enhance your experience with guided walks that provide insights into local flora, fauna, and history. Guided options are available for those seeking a more immersive and informative journey.
